What is your favourite mindfulness technique/exercise? Why?

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change". Buddha

My favourite mindfulness practice is engaging my senses.

This spontaneously clicked for me when I was attended a wellbeing retreat years ago.

I remember sitting under a tree, mesmerised by the morning song of a solitary bird. When I closed my eyes and really listened, not with my ears but with my heart, I could feel the song, so sweet and clear and the joy behind it.

What was more magical was when I really watched the bird through eyes of love; I could see him being completely in the moment too. I could see him filling his little lungs, moving his little body, and singing from his little heart to get just the right beautiful inflection.

For the rest of that day I consciously engaged in each moment, and I was surprised to discover the details I was missing out on: the beauty of a delicate lone flower and the busy activity of the bee pollinating it, the sublime taste and texture my food revealed when chewed slowly and deliberately, the physical sensation of letting go as tension released in my body during a yoga session. All this and more made me so aware of my own daily blur.

So, engaging my senses is one of my favourite mindfulness practices.

Because when you engage with your senses you do more than just see, hear, feel, taste and smell.

You listen with your heart, you look with love, you touch with care, and you speak with kindness.

That’s what brings you joy and connection in every moment.

What advice would you have for someone who wants to create a regular mindfulness practice?

In my experience, a mindfulness practice can happen anywhere, at any time.

All you need to do is slow down.

Take your time, with anything. Cleaning your teeth. Folding the washing. Eating a meal.

Just notice what is happening and engage all your senses.

If you want to commit to a deeper practice, I have also found it’s useful to know why you want to be mindful.

The more aligned you are to an inner belief or desire to be more connected and present in your life, the more likely it is you’ll get what you need from your practice AND stick to it!

Quite literally the awareness that comes from mindfulness will transform your life.

So, just start somewhere.

Marnie McDermott is an award-winning author, heart-fuelled lifestyle coach and host of MarnieTV. Think of her as your crystal-toting, fashion-loving, spiritually-savvy soul sister, giving you the tools, tips and know-how to live your happiest life. As the founder of www.marniemcdermott.com, Marnie has worked with women from all corners of the globe to create their own version of wholehearted bliss. Her work incorporates powerful tools and programs focused on spirit-centred living, happiness, life purpose, soul, meditation, abundance, order and harmony, home, relationships, health and wellbeing, and more. Marnie’s books are hailed as the perfect blend of modern wisdom and practical know-how. After the runaway success of the triple award-winning Beyond Happiness: The 12 Principles of Enduring Bliss, Marnie has released the hotly anticipated follow-up, Soul Happiness: The 11 Secrets of Living with Purpose. With its emphasis on actionable steps and guided self-discovery – all infused with her signature love-laden advice – Soul Happiness packs a powerful punch.